LBL ESD provides services under contract with the Oregon Department of Education as part of the statewide network of “Regional Programs for Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities.” LBL ESD’s Cascade Regional Inclusive Services provides support to students with low-incidence disabilities in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. As a subcontractor for LBL ESD, South Coast ESD houses these services for Coos, Curry, and Southern Douglas counties.
In collaboration with local school districts, Early Intervention (EI), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), families and community agencies, support is provided to students within the sections below.
How children are considered for services
The early intervention/early childhood special education program or local school district refers children when they suspect a disability and have medical information indicating impairment. An educational team, using guidelines set by Oregon Administrative Rules, makes eligibility determination.
Mission & Philosophy
Oregon’s Low-Incidence Regional Programs, in cooperation with local educational agencies, provides specialized supports for children to benefit from early intervention/early childhood special education and educational opportunities provided in their communities.
Refer a Child for an Evaluation
Cascade Regional Inclusive Services are accessed through the local early intervention unit or educational agency where the child attends school.
Refer a childServices provided may include evaluation, consultation/coaching, direct intervention, as well as adaptive/specialized equipment to ensure student safety and access to instruction.
In addition, Cascade Regional Inclusive Services provides contracted consultation services to school districts for students with mild-to-moderate fine or gross motor needs and alternative/augmentative communication for students with expressive communication difficulties. The program staff consists of licensed teachers in special education, speech/language pathologists and licensed occupational and physical therapists. The program’s mission is to ensure equal access to educational services through collaboration with school districts and EI/ECSE programs so that children are ready to learn. Services may include specially designed instruction in academic areas, Braille, language development, sign language, consultation, assessment, instruction, and adaptive or specialized materials and equipment.
Cascade Regional Inclusive Services staff provides consultation and training to local educational staff and parents to assist teams in implementing the individualized family service plan (IFSP) or the individualized education plan (IEP). The need for these services is identified through the IFSP or the IEP process and is developed cooperatively with the Regional Program and local school districts. Consultation may include:
- Adaptive materials and equipment
- Access to technology
- Teaching strategies and methods
- Transition to adult life
Student assessment is available in the following areas:
- Gross/fine motor development
- Communication
- Functional life skills
Regional program therapists and teachers provide specialized training to ensure students can access their instruction. For example, specialized instruction may include:
- Braille
- Orientation and mobility
- Sign language
- Interpreter use
- Assistive technology
EI/ECSE programs and schools may access adaptive or specialized materials and equipment on a short-term loan basis. Regional staff assist in researching and facilitating equipment and materials that children need to access their education, including:
- Vision aids and supports
- Educational materials
- Communication systems or devices
- Assistive communication devices
- Positioning equipment
Legislative action in 1983 established the statewide Regional Program for Students with Low Incidence disabilities to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for all eligible students, regardless of where they live in Oregon.
